Our good friends at Opta have complied all the numbers and stats you need to assess the teams’ chances ahead of today’s Afcon Group D clash at Stade de Port-Gentil.
-This is Egypt’s 23rd AFCON, a record in the history of the tournament. They have also won it on more occasions than any other side (7), including in each of their last three participations (2006, 2008, 2010).
-This is Egypt’s first AFCON participation since 2010, having failed to qualify for any of the last three tournaments, their longest drought in the history of the tournament.
-Egypt are unbeaten in their last 19 AFCON games (W15 D4), the longest run in the history of the tournament. Their last defeat dates back to January 2004 against Algeria (1-2).
-Egypt have also won each of their last nine games at the AFCON, again a record.
-Meanwhile, this is Mali’s 10th AFCON participation. Their best performance came in 1972, when they lost 3-2 in the final against Congo.
-All three of Mali’s group games in 2015 ended 1-1. They were knocked out following a drawing of lots after ending in a perfect tie with Guinea.
-Five of Mali’s last seven AFCON games have ended in a draw (W1 L1).
-Both teams have scored in each of Mali’s last seven AFCON games.
-Mali and Egypt’s only previous AFCON encounter was in the 1994 quarter-finals. Mali won 1-0.
-This is Alain Giresse’s fourth AFCON as manager. The Mali boss was already in charge of the Eagles in 2012 when he took them to third place.
-Egypt boss Héctor Cúper is taking charge at an AFCON for the first time.
